Alaska volcano near eruption

The Augustine Volcano in Alaska could erupt in hours or days, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory.

Alaska's Augustine Volcano emits steam in this 1989 USGS photo

The level of concern color code is now orange, which indicates it could erupt at any time.

Over the past six hours, earthquake activity beneath Augustine has increased markedly. The observatory considers this activity indicative of a heightened possibility of an explosive eruption within hours to days.

The volcano showed signs of unrest last week with steam explosions and blasts of ash from the summit.

The volcano hasn't seen much activity since it erupted in 1986, spraying ash over the city of Anchorage, Alaska's most populated city.

Recent observations indicated the volcano is producing new magma and a thermal camera measured steam temperature from one of the vents at 750 degrees – well above the average temperature. Seismic activity also increased this week.

The only color code more serious than orange is red, indicating the volcano is already erupting or is expected to at any time.